ONLINE MASTER OF

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IN

DATA ANALYTICS AND

VISUALIZATION
Program Overview
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
Most of us need to listen to the music to understand how beautiful it is.
But often that’s how we present statistics: we just show the notes, we don’t play the music.
- Hans Rosling

Virtually everything that we interact with in our lives is driven by or

generates some form of data. The dramatic increase in data is the
driving force behind innovation, invention, and business efficiencies.
This data explosion has resulted in the need to take raw, unorganized
data and not only process it but also present it in a meaningful
way so that it is insightful and actionable. From infographics and
geographic representations to interactive visualizations that assist
in decision-making, there’s a growing need for professionals who
can present information in a format that is both easy to understand
and provides value.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) developed the Master of

Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Data Analytics and Visualization
program to teach professionals how to represent information
and data in a visual and impactful way with the use of graphics,
images, and dynamic interactive features. In this program, you
will develop design expertise and analytical skills that are
in increasing demand in our data-driven world. In 2017,
PricewaterhouseCooper reported that over 79% of employers are
experiencing difficulties finding data professionals with design/
systems thinking and creativity – skills that this program will help
you grow and apply.
The Data Analytics and Visualization program is an online, cohort-
based graduate program where all coursework is directly related
to this expanding field. Completed in just 15 months, the program
allows you to earn your degree while working full time. You will
explore both the design and technical aspects of information
visualization while learning to create powerful, data-driven visual
narratives. You will master an array of information visualization
practices including employing qualitative and quantitative analysis
and applying storytelling methods to data and information, and
utilizing design strategies to develop a visual narrative.

The program includes a unique three-day residency on MICA’s

campus in Baltimore to build a network of colleagues, interact
with industry professionals, and learn the most current ideas
and best information visualization practices. The residency is
designed to discuss emerging ideas in visualization, learn project
management practices and strategies, and develop skills in
applications and the production of information visualizations. This
essential component of your graduate experience is not found in
other programs.

This program appeals to professionals from a wide variety of fields,

including business, marketing, research, journalism, and design,
who want to reach their audiences using creative and engaging
visual solutions. This program is for individuals with a strong interest
in and enthusiasm for design, analysis, new technology, creative
problem solving, and a willingness to commit to an intensive learning
experience.
PROGRAM
BENEFITS
Accelerated, Online Format
The combination of an online format coupled with an in-person
residency provides an incredible learning experience. Busy
professionals can continue to work full time and still benefit from
face-to-face interactions with faculty and fellow classmates.

Visual Storytelling as a Business Driver

It is no longer enough to simply present data without context;
employers are seeking professionals who can transform
information and data into visually compelling forms that clarify
meaning and comprehension of complex information and data sets.

Unique Student Experience

Small class sizes allow for increased engagement and personal
attention from faculty. The highly interactive nature of the coursework
promotes an environment in which students build their professional
networks by collaborating with their classmates and instructors.

Residency
You will work with others to conceptualize a proposal and then
develop a project prototype. You will implement concepts, methods,
and strategies and experiment with technologies and applications
used to create visualizations, culminating in presenting your
prototype to program faculty, classmates, and industry partners.

Join a Community of Creative Business Professionals

The visual representation of information and data is the intersection
of creativity and business needs. This degree connects you with like-
minded professionals who are not only focused on creative skills but
also how their creativity functions as a business driver. The Data
Analytics and Visualization program produces graduates who are
highly regarded leaders in a wide array of fields.

Build Your Portfolio While Earning Your Degree

You will develop strong creative and analytical methodologies to
visualize data and information and create a diverse portfolio of work
to launch your career in information visualization.

For more information, please call (410) 539-9559.

PROGRAM
STRUCTURE
The M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization is a 30-credit hour program, designed to
be completed in 15 months while working full-time. The program begins with a one-day
online orientation, contains eight online courses, and one three-day residency course held
on the MICA campus. The program concludes with a fully developed Data Analytics and
Visualization project in Capstone Development and Presentation.

SEMESTER 1 - 16 weeks SEMESTER 3 - 16 weeks

Virtual Orientation Design Lab I: Case Studies
0 credits 4 credits

Foundations of Data Analytics Residency

& Visualization Literacy 1 credit
3 credits
Cognition & Perception
Statistics & Analytics
3 credits
4 credits

SEMESTER 2 - 16 weeks SEMESTER 4 - 16 weeks

Design Lab II: The Industry

Systems of Data Organization
Challenge
4 credits
4 credits
Visual Storytelling
3 credits Capstone, Reflection &
Presentation
4 credits

TOTAL CREDITS: 30
COURSE
SEQUENCE

Virtual Orientation To ensure student success in the program, the orientation supports
0 Credits the navigation of MICA’s administrative tools and academic services,
the development of greater competencies around data and design,
and community building with faculty and the cohort of students. The
exploration of foundation concepts such as design thinking, digital/
information literacy, data/design approaches, data presentation, and
digital tools for data visualization will take place through independent and
collaborative activities, and students will work through the orientation
with the end in mind as they consider their career paths and the types
of portfolios they want to create. Orientation is a required activity. The
content and assignments designed for orientation are introductions to
courses that follow.

Foundations of We live in a world surrounded by ever-increasing amounts of information

Data Analytics & in the form of data. Converting this raw data into a visual form that
Visualization Literacy communicates effectively involves data analytics and information
3 Credits visualization. To use data to communicate effectively requires advanced
information and visualization literacy. By the end of this course, you
will have working knowledge of historical, cultural, social, economic,
political, and ethical contexts of data analytics and visualizations. You
will explore perspectives and research from the fields of art/design
history, theory, and visual culture. Additionally, you will study the way
visualization has been used historically, and is currently being used, in a
variety of industries to tell compelling narratives.

Statistics & Analytics A deep dive into topics such as data mining, data aggregation, grouping
4 Credits methods, data cleaning, and evaluation will take place in this course.
You will use applications for statistical computing and perform tasks
such as calculating and describing statistical summaries of the data.
Additionally, you will examine relationships between data elements.
By the end of this course, you will begin to transform data analysis into
visualizations.
Systems of Data The exploration of analytical reasoning using tools and techniques such
Organization as mind maps, storyboards, wireframing, tree maps, and prototyping is
4 Credits the focus of this course. To advance your work, you will study topics such
as information architecture, human reasoning, networking, mapping,
and user-centered designs to create cohesive and compelling stories.
This class will be hands-on and will build upon previous coursework in
a practical manner. The class will mainly be conducted using Tableau
(due to the speed at which you can build interactive visualizations), but
homework and projects can be created in any medium as long as it is
accessible by a URL.

Visual Storytelling You now know how to produce data reports. But can you tell a compelling
3 Credits visual narrative with the information? This course will teach you how as
you learn about different forms of storytelling and the ways in which
techniques such as sequence, relationship, context, and audience can
be combined through analysis and design strategies to tell a powerful
story. Additionally, methods such as editing, iterative process, feedback
and evaluation will be used to refine information and data to strengthen
and clarify a visual story.

Design Lab I: Case This course focuses on the theory and practice of producing modern data
Studies visualization work. Through lessons and real-world-inspired exercises,
4 Credits you will learn how fundamental methods and routines can maximize
efficiency and help replicate success. You will develop your own sturdy-
but-flexible process, tailored to fit your skillset and work context. The
lessons will also focus on the practical decision-making that drives the
process forward and strategies for navigating obstacles likely to be
encountered in a professional work environment.

Residency This weekend-long experience is designed to have you implement the

1 Credit concepts, methods, and strategies learned thus far in the program. You
will network with industry professionals, collaborate with your cohort
and faculty, experiment with technologies and applications in workshop
settings to create visualizations, listen to experts and gain insight into
design trends and strategies. When MPS residency scheduling permits,
there may be the opportunity for elective sessions that will enable you to
meet, learn from, and network with peers in Business of Art and Design
and UX Design sections.
Cognition & Perception You create what you think is the perfect data visualization project,
3 Credits but how do others see and understand it? After this course, you
will be equipped to understand perception theories in the arts and
sciences and methods by which information is visually acquired and
processed. You will gain an understanding of how the brain receives,
acquires, processes, and stores information and data through cognitive
neuropsychology. This, combined with design strategies such as
patterning, spatial relationships, shape, and color, will support your
growth as a data visualization expert.

Design Lab II: The This course integrates all the various concepts explored throughout the
Industry Challenge program and engages MICA’s industry partners to present students with
4 Credits challenges faced by professionals in the Data Analytics and Visualization
industry. You will engage with the project decision-making process,
ethical uses of data and visualizations, project management, budget
and risk management, user interface design, and testing. Additionally,
you will use visualization applications to help execute business strategy
and support communication with a wide variety of stakeholders. Data
Analytics and Visualization professionals provide you feedback, insight,
encouragement, and critical analysis as you execute your projects.
The goal of this course is to serve as a cornerstone of your portfolio
showcasing end-to-end design thinking.

Capstone, Reflection You will tie together the theories, methodologies, and skills you have
& Presentation acquired throughout the program to work from concept to a fully-realized
4 Credits prototype. You will use research and materials developed over the
course of the program, and you will collaborate with a faculty advisor and
your cohort for critique and guidance during the project development.
Finally, you will consider the most effective ways to present this work
during the final virtual capstone presentation weekend that concludes
the program.
ADMISSIONS
REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO APPLY

To apply to the M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization

program, applicants are asked to submit the following:

• Graduate Admissions application form

• Resume or CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Official undergraduate transcript(s)
• Portfolio and portfolio narrative (if available)*
• International students will need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score
• $75 application fee

Our enrollment counselors are here to answer your questions and help
you with the application process. To speak with your counselor, please call
(410) 539-9559.

*The portfolio is an optional, but important component of the application package. We admit
students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, and utilize the
portfolio to access the applicant’s ability to create, solve, and produce. Often, an exceptional
portfolio can offset a lower G.P.A. or less work experience. Please note we do not have a
specific portfolio format in mind, and encourage applicants to submit any and all deliverables
that demonstrate creativity, problem-solving aptitude and attention to detail. Those without
a portfolio are still encouraged to apply, as a large portion of the curriculum is dedicated to
building or enhancing each student’s portfolio.
TUITION &
FINANCING
At $37,500, the online M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization
is a smart investment, as the skills learned in this program prepare
graduates for career advancement in a rapidly growing field. Once
accepted into the program, students are required to submit a $500
non-refundable deposit. Deposits are applied toward tuition and secure
a student’s place in the upcoming class.

Financial Aid
All US citizens & permanent residents are encouraged to complete
the FAFSA form to be considered for federal need-based financial aid,
typically given in the form of student loans.

For more information or to speak with your enrollment counselor,

please call (410) 539-9559.
PROGRAM
FACULTY

C. Todd Lombardo
C. Todd Lombardo is an author, designer, scientist, professor, and
visualizer. After beginning his career in science, C. Todd shifted his focus
to product and design, ultimately innovating, designing, and managing
products for countless companies large and small.

Bill Rapp
Bill Rapp is the Art Director for the Center for American Progress (CAP)
Human beings are visual creatures. We have a powerful and sophisticated
visual system that can process and retain information at a much higher
rate than written or verbal communication. As public policy collides with
the Information Age, those who most effectively harness this power
hold a great advantage over those unwilling or unable to move beyond
20th century tools and techniques. Through Bill’s work at CAP, his
Data Visualization classes at MICA and AU, and various speaking
engagements, he’s tried to evangelize this evolutionary leap and to
help bring the power of information visualization and modern digital
strategies to bear on the world’s most challenging problems and
worthwhile objectives.

Maureen Reilly
Maureen Reilly is a data analytics and visualization consultant who
has built solutions for clients and provided training for analysts across
multiple industries. She has taught the Systems of Data Organization
course at MICA and loves helping students discover the value of data and
the joy of sharing their findings through building creative, informative
dashboards.
PROGRAM
FACULTY

Chris Sloan
Chris Sloan is an expert in taking complex data and creating dynamic
information visualizations for audiences of all ages and levels of
expertise. Chris is the former Chief Art Director of National Geographic
Magazine and has deep expertise in visualizing science, nature, history,
culture, space, technology, and business. A special focus is thinking
through how to economically leverage content for integration into
multiple media platforms while keeping a strong focus on great visual
storytelling.

Becky Slogeris
Becky Slogeris earned a BFA in graphic design and an MA in Social
Design from MICA, where her thesis work focused on designing
curriculum and tools for teachers and empowering students to create
change in their communities. She received a Robert W. Deutsch
Foundation Social Design Fellowship in 2012-2013 on the BMore Fit
Teacher Toolkit, an exercise tool for engaging students and improving
their academic performance in the classroom, and the Baltimore CARES
Service-Learning Curriculum, a guidebook for revitalizing vacant lots
with high school students.